From "Doc Alders, Farmington's Lone Eagle" A Reminiscence: EDWARD M. DRAIS: Among the notables of early San Joaquin history who have passed to their reward, and have been called to the next higher realm of existence, is Edward M. Drais. Mr. Drais was a representative of the best class of men of the early fifties who streamed into the Golden State and sought fortune and home on the sunny western slope of the continent. When he died on April 6, 1918, the county lost one of its best citizens, a man of great individual worth and excellence, who had performed the tasks allotted to his years with credit and who left behind him a family who has cherished his memory and works till the peaceful end of their own lives.
He was born back in the old state of Missouri, in Platte County, February 1, 1842. His father, Madison J. Drais, a native of Virginia, during early manhood moved with his parents from Virginia to Illinois. He was employed in the butcher trade for a time at Chillicothe Ill., whence he subsequently moved to Platte County, Mo., where he was married. In 1852, with his family he emigrated across the plains, by way of Salt Lake, to California, and came directly to San Joaquin County, settling at the present site of Farmington. He was thus among the very earliest settlers of that region, and for many years was a well-known citizen and prominent rancher of that locality. At his death on October 26, 1896, San Joaquin County lost a worthy pioneer citizen, one who had passed a life of most successful effort and gained for himself the lasting regard of those around him. He was a Democrat and was identified with the Masonic order.
Edward was ten years old when the family migration took place from Missouri. They drove ox-teams, and from the time they left St. Joseph, Mo., until Stockton, CA. was reached, they were three months and fifteen days on the road. In 1864, he settled on a ranch in Stanislaus County, where he resided for more than half a century.
On August 11, 1864, Mr. Drais married Miss Rosa Gann, a native of Missouri and a daughter of John and Eliza Gann, both natives of Tennessee. Mrs. Drais brought, in 1859, by her parents from Missouri to San Joaquin County. The trip being made across the plains in emigrant fashion. Mrs. Drais passed away on December 31, 1906, and on April 6, 1918, Mr. Drais died. They were parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom survived them. These are: Birdinia N., George E., Walter, Minnie P., Henry H., Elizabeth E., and Madison James.
George E. Drais was appointed executor of his father's vast estate; and he and his brothers, Walter and Madison in partnership, have successfully conducted the large Rock Creek farm for years. All are men of fine character, are worthy sons of a worthy father.
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Happy Anniversary to John and Kristine Kalebaugh on Saturday, July 21st.
Happy Birthday to Lori Kroon on Sunday, July 22nd.
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Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.
He was born back in the old state of Missouri, in Platte County, February 1, 1842. His father, Madison J. Drais, a native of Virginia, during early manhood moved with his parents from Virginia to Illinois. He was employed in the butcher trade for a time at Chillicothe Ill., whence he subsequently moved to Platte County, Mo., where he was married. In 1852, with his family he emigrated across the plains, by way of Salt Lake, to California, and came directly to San Joaquin County, settling at the present site of Farmington. He was thus among the very earliest settlers of that region, and for many years was a well-known citizen and prominent rancher of that locality. At his death on October 26, 1896, San Joaquin County lost a worthy pioneer citizen, one who had passed a life of most successful effort and gained for himself the lasting regard of those around him. He was a Democrat and was identified with the Masonic order.
Edward was ten years old when the family migration took place from Missouri. They drove ox-teams, and from the time they left St. Joseph, Mo., until Stockton, CA. was reached, they were three months and fifteen days on the road. In 1864, he settled on a ranch in Stanislaus County, where he resided for more than half a century.
On August 11, 1864, Mr. Drais married Miss Rosa Gann, a native of Missouri and a daughter of John and Eliza Gann, both natives of Tennessee. Mrs. Drais brought, in 1859, by her parents from Missouri to San Joaquin County. The trip being made across the plains in emigrant fashion. Mrs. Drais passed away on December 31, 1906, and on April 6, 1918, Mr. Drais died. They were parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom survived them. These are: Birdinia N., George E., Walter, Minnie P., Henry H., Elizabeth E., and Madison James.
George E. Drais was appointed executor of his father's vast estate; and he and his brothers, Walter and Madison in partnership, have successfully conducted the large Rock Creek farm for years. All are men of fine character, are worthy sons of a worthy father.
*****
Happy Anniversary to John and Kristine Kalebaugh on Saturday, July 21st.
Happy Birthday to Lori Kroon on Sunday, July 22nd.
*****
Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.
